A career in...

Being a medic and a carer

The challenge of finding a balance

By:
Laura Glenny

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Edward Underwood is a second year medical student at St George’s Hospital in London. He is also an informal carer for his father, who has a variety of chronic illnesses. When Edward was 17, his father had a heart attack, which left him requiring around the clock care, and in 2016 was involved in a motorbike crash, which has resulted in him using a wheelchair. Edward’s mother has also struggled to cope with anxiety and depression during this period, and requires his support.

It’s incredibly challenging and time management is essential. I wake up early and try to be efficient with any down time by reading up on course material during the waits outside clinics. I rarely have a moment to myself.

My father attends his clinics at the same hospital where I study, and this means I can join him for his appointments. However, studying at the